Purchase advice?

[KevinO]

I'm shopping for an accordion that has 4 reeds, LMMM, folk musette tuning (-5/+15) and full size (41/120). I'm curious what brands and models are recommended as being of the higher quality ones? I understand that things like whether it's hand crafted or hand tuned reeds can be a factor or whether it's Cassotto or not, but I have no experience with those features yet. I also appreciate from this forum that personal preference needs to be decided by the buyer in terms of what good sound is. However, there are also a lot of accordions out there to choose from (new and used that are well maintained). I've spoken to a few sales people and listened to a few online, but prices can really range from $3 to $12 thousand or so.

My music interests are primarily midwestern polka, French and a bit of classical. My hope would be to find an instrument that can serve all three needs and be of high quality that I would use for many years to come. So having options that are dry and musette are preferred.

Advice on where to focus my efforts would be appreciated?

thanks!

 

[Ben-jammin]

KevinO this is a challenging question. Generally speaking the remaining Italian builders are considered the higher tier of accordion building. I can’t speak to the specific hierarchy between those brands, and the specific value proposition of each.

Without having much of a reference point besides you want a quality instrument with a specific tuning it’s hard to point you to a particular quarter. What are you playing now? What do you like and what don’t you like about it. Also how advanced of a player are you? I’m not going to say a beginner doesn’t deserve a quality or even a high end instrument but that it takes some time playing to learn what your preferences are.

 

[Dingo40]

KevinO,
What you've specified is more of a destination reached after a long journey, rather than a starting point ?
It's something to aim for after considerable personal experience rather than something to begin with.
As long as you have something to suit you for your present needs, that's all you require.
I often think that 95% plus of most amateur accordionists' needs would be adequately satisfied by a sturdily made 41/120, 2/2 reed, high/low couplers (treble side only) Italian made, preowned instrument in good working order:
Relatively cheap, light, and reliable.?
All else is vanity!?

 

[Valski]

I'm shopping for an accordion that has 4 reeds, LMMM, folk musette tuning (-5/+15) and full size (41/120). I'm curious what brands and models are recommended as being of the higher quality ones? I understand that things like whether it's hand crafted or hand tuned reeds can be a factor or whether it's Cassotto or not, but I have no experience with those features yet. I also appreciate from this forum that personal preference needs to be decided by the buyer in terms of what good sound is. However, there are also a lot of accordions out there to choose from (new and used that are well maintained). I've spoken to a few sales people and listened to a few online, but prices can really range from $3 to $12 thousand or so.

My music interests are primarily midwestern polka, French and a bit of classical. My hope would be to find an instrument that can serve all three needs and be of high quality that I would use for many years to come. So having options that are dry and musette are preferred.

Advice on where to focus my efforts would be appreciated?

thanks!

Hi Kevin, when I was in the early stages of purchasing my Roland V-accordion I checked both the "Big Box " music stores as well as the accordion specialists. It seemed contraintuative that the bigger retailers don't sell as many of these accordions so generally have a take it or leave it pricing strategy, while the smaller specialists can give you a better deal.
I don’t know anything about the dealers in your area, but because you're in the general vicinity of Chicago I think that there should be some dealers reasonably close to you. Also compare the dealers to see if they are helpful and not trying to sell you something that is taking up shelf space. You may find that you learn something about the instruments as well as helping yourself to make a better decision. Don’t be in a rush and you'll be happier.

 

[Ben-jammin]

I often think that 95% plus of most amateur accordionists' needs would be adequately satisfied by a sturdily made 41/120, 2/2 reed, high/low couplers (treble side only) Italian made, preowned instrument in good working order:
Relatively cheap, light, and reliable.?
All else is vanity!?

I agree but I also disagree. Nothing more than what you describe is necessary to learn to play, but if someone has the budget for something that is going to be more enjoyable and rewarding to play, why should they deprive themselves of the benefit of a nicer instrument? Most of us play for the enjoyment of it anyways. I’m not saying the most expensive instrument available is the wise choice, but something with some features that’s well built and in good condition at a fair price could give a beginner a reference point on features while being rewarding and fun to play.

 

[Ffingers]

I remarked on another post that my sister's harp teacher advised our parents to buy the best instrument that they could afford for her to learn on; advice which seemed to have worked since my sister went on to become a successful classical concert performer.
My personal experience is that the damage done to natural talent by indifferent instruments and insensitive tutors can be terminal.

 

[Valski]

I remarked on another post that my sister's harp teacher advised our parents to buy the best instrument that they could afford for her to learn on; advice which seemed to have worked since my sister went on to become a successful classical concert performer.
My personal experience is that the damage done to natural talent by indifferent instruments and insensitive tutors can be terminal.

Generally in life, we regret the things that we didn't do. So if you can afford to do so get the best instrument and you won't be tempted to upgrade later.

 

[JerryPH]

Generally in life, we regret the things that we didn't do. So if you can afford to do so get the best instrument and you won't be tempted to upgrade later.

I really like that advice, and would like to add 3 aspects to it that some people in their haste forget.
- consider saving longer and get the better models Don't go in to debt ever for an accordion
- research, research, research. Learning is fine, going out there and learn how to spot and recognize the aspects that are important to you is so important.
- be patient, don't dive on the first one necessarily unless it checks all your boxes
- bonus tip: be prepared to bargain, never pay full price

 

[Ben-jammin]

Jerry, I think that’s very good solid advice. I would just add to it, that needs and preferences change with time and with experience. It can be a chicken and egg situation. This should be considered by a perspective buyer especially if they are early days of they’re playing. I wouldn’t try to dissuade someone from something nice but it might be prudent to consider the financial impact if it’s found their actual needs drift from what they expected them to be.

 

[KevinO]

Thank you everyone for your advice!